WEST CHESTER – After more than $1 million in much needed renovations to the Care Center for Christ Foundation, directors and staff announced plans to reopen the Matlack Street facility on Sept. 30.

“We have so many babies that need to be in the program,” said Executive Director Blondell Parsons, who has served the position for eight years. “Our mission is to serve those in need and make sure no one is turned around because of an inability to pay.”

Parsons said the staff has eagerly been waiting to open the doors throughout the 7-month renovation.

Board members, staff and members of the community celebrated the reopening of the center Tuesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

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During renovations, the care center temporarily relocated to The Baptist Church on High Street.

Renovations included exterior and interior restoration, as well as new construction work associated with both exterior and interior modifications, to greatly improve the available space and added space to serve more children and to provide jobs and services to the community which includes a computer lab. A fenced in playground has been added to the backyard with a shelter in house on the second floor, and a fallout shelter in the lower basement.

County Commissioners said they were happy to provide more than half a million dollars in grant funding for the project.

“It occurred to me that the children in this community would be attending this center regardless of whether or not these improvements were made,” said Ryan Costello, county commissioner. “So this isn’t really a question of creating a need or addressing a need as it is knowing a need is there and taking a facility that was in need of some work and making it a healthier place to play and learn in.”

For the past 32 years the center has held its ground on the 100 block of South Matlack Street and serves about 200 families in the community with childcare.

The care center offers full-day programs, designed to serve children from ages of 1 to 12.

The Center is licensed by the State of PA Department of Welfare and a member of the Stars for Excellence Program. Programs offered are day care, preschool, afterschool, summer camp, recreation, and Christian education events. The primary target demographic is mainly single mothers, many of whom live in Section 8 housing across the Street from the Center. According to the center, it serves a community that is approximately 80 percent Hispanic and 20 Black. Ninety percent of children served by the center receive scholarships because of an inability for families to pay for the service.

Dr. Wendy Wallace, board member, discussed how important the center is to exposing the children to English and while there are other day cares in the area available there is something special about the location.

“Early introduction to English has been shown to increase their success rates, really get them on par with their colleagues in their testing scores and this building provides that,” Wallace said.

“They feel safe here this is their home this is their street and this is their corner and that was recognized over 30 years ago.”

As one of the borough’s older buildings, the care center’s original building was built in 1860 and was known to many as the “Side Track” bar, according to center staff. Care center members originally wanted to raze the building, but renovations were favored after they became aware of the building’s historical status.

“Because of a possible historic area, we pursued the effort to renovate the footprint in an appropriate manner,” Parsons said.

It was converted into a social services center in 1982 and as a childcare center in 1991.The center now provides day care services as well as before- and after-school programs.

“We should rejoice because this renovation restored a center to the community that preserves the original footprints of He who orders our steps and calls us to serve,” said Gizelle Jones, adding that the board’s hearts are full of gratitude to the community for making the renovations possible.

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone praised the renovations adding it’s nice when they can see the results of the county’s investments.

“At the end of the day it’s really about the kids, providing an amazing opportunity for them in an incredible environment surrounded by the love and support of the teachers, staff and volunteers,” Cozzone said.

“It’s always nice when we can see the results of the investments the county has made and it’s absolutely gorgeous inside,” said Commissioner Kathi Cozzone.

Commissioner Terrence Ferrell, said as a community of commitment, they have committed themselves to these children and ensure they become great citizens and the next generation of leaders.

Supporting the renovation were a $526,000 grant from the Chester County Department of Community Development, $75,000 from the Nonprofit Finance Fund in Philadelphia, $10,000 from the Connolly Foundation and $5,000 from the Buck Foundation. Additional funding for the project was received from donors, board members, Staff, and a bank loan.

The ceremony Tuesday was well attended by board members and those in the community including some of the children who sang and danced to two songs at the event.

Borough Councilwoman Cassandra Jones, also a board member, said the center is working to continue delivering quality programs, launch a website, partner with like-minded ministries and maintain strong ties with the community they serve.

“From my first day with the Center it has been my dream to see a new Care Center rise up and serve our community,” Parsons said.

About the Author

Jeremy Gerrard is the Daily Local News' reporter covering the West Chester area and local school district. Jeremy is a Chester County native and a graduate of Auburn University. Reach the author at jgerrard@dailylocal.com
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